Work begins on church paintings

The paintings depict birds and angels as well as King Edmund

Work has begun on the restoration of medieval wall paintings which were discovered in a Suffolk church.

A team of specialist conservators will be carrying out work on the paintings in St Mary's Church, Lakenheath over five weeks.

The paintings date from the 13th Century and show local saint King Edmund as well as scenes from the life of Christ.

The work was made possible by a £32,500 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.

The paintings were discovered during church restoration work in 1864 when lime wash was removed from the walls.

'Not just art'

As the work progresses, the church will open its doors to the public to allow them to see the conservation operation unfold.

Project Manager Matthew Champion said: "This project has taken many years to get off the ground and has been strongly supported by the local parish.

"We want to open the doors of the church and let everyone see exactly what is taking place.

"We want local people to understand that these wall paintings are more than just pieces of medieval art.

"They are an important part of this community's history and something to be immensely proud of."

The first of a series of lectures on the paintings and the conservation work will be held on Friday 13 February.